Adams Avenue Grill is really two eateries in one: a sunny, informal lunch spot by day and a gently sophisticated dinner destination by night. Whatever the time of day, contented conversation and bursts of laughter fill the sociable dining room, where nearly every table offers a view of the front door and the passing sidewalk scene. The room is a popular gathering spot for birthday meals and other momentous occasions but is just as well suited to a quick dinner before heading off to a show.

The young staff has a knack for remembering faces and catering to special tastes; in fact, one regular here says the kitchen is happy to cater to children, with custom-made servings of plain pasta or omelets. Guests of all ages rave about the desserts (think chocolate-chip cheesecake). The bar here is compact - just a counter with about eight high stools - so it's best to wait for a table if you're having an entire meal. Hang out and nosh on the signature red-onion rings while you wait.

San Diego Magazine, August 2002.

Morning glories

There are so many places around town offering a hearty breakfast, but one of our favorites is the cross-cultural combination of scrambled eggs, roasted hash browns, smoked bacon, black beans, tomatillo salsa, pepper jack cheese and avocado known as the Santa Fe Hash Browns at Adams Avenue Grill...

San Diego Union-Tribune, February 20, 2003

Adams Avenue Grill - During summer, this eclectic eatery usually offers an innovative chilled selection in its daily lineup of five freshly made soups. Recent choices included yogurt-based mango-papaya soup with jalapeno oil; carrot-ginger soup with curry slurry and Yukon gold potato soup with caramelized garlic, owner Tim Klepeis' California version of French vichyssoise. Adams Avenue Grill's chilled soups are intriguingly seasoned and moderately priced at $2.5O per mug or $4.25 for a bowl. Klepeis suggests pairing them with a glass of pinot grigio or champagne. The menu changes every Monday so call to find out what's cooking.

Pat Stein - San Diego Union-Tribune, August 9, 2001.

"Delicious" "comfort food" that's a particularly "excellent value at lunch" makes this "pleasant" American bistro in up-and-coming University Heights an "interesting" local favorite among those who "treasure" its "bohemian" decor and "helpful staff"; be sure to "save room for dessert" - maybe the baked-to-order "Titanic cookies" - because they're "all superb."

2001 Zagat National Restaurant Guide

"Every dish here is for food lovers! The plate was licked clean!"

The best was the Atlantic salmon, coated with fresh basil-orange vinaigrette and served over sautéed spinach, leeks and garlic.

Eleanor Widmer, San Diego Reader

Inventive food in a fun and stylish setting is the bill of fare at this neighborhood spot tucked away on the corner of Adams and Mississippi. You won't be disappointed by Chef Tim Klepeis's exquisite house-made soups. Save room for one of the great house made desserts; they're sure to satisfy even the largest sweet tooth.

                                 Maria Hunt - San Diego Union-Tribune